Notes: Few indie bands in recent memory have generated as much attention prior to having an album released as Scottish synthpop trio Chvrches (pronounced churches). Things Chvrches did prior to album release: opened for Depeche Mode in front of 58,000 people, opened for Passion Pit on their U.K. tour, signed with Glassnote, released music videos that generated half-a-million plus YouTube views, made multiple year end “best of” lists, cured cancer (rumor)…I’m shaking my head as I right this. With all the hype, I approached their debut album with skepticism. The jealous child in me wanted it to suck…it didn’t…it was good…really damn good. Dark, beautiful electronic/synthpop that reminded me occasionally of Niki & The Dove, but tighter and more substantial. I’m half-Scottish so on top of being quite hairy I’m slightly biased, but this album should be on high rotation this Fall and paired with a Scottish cocktail that makes buying the hype a more tasty affair.